Ten students representing five Oklahoma school systems received recognition for their projects during the 2020 National History Day (NHD) contest. The national contest is the final stage in a series of contests beginning at the local/regional and state/affiliate levels. This event is held annually to highlight the work of middle and high school students from the United States and several countries around the world who have prepared projects with a particular theme in mind. The theme for 2020 was “Breaking Barriers in History,” and students presented their work in the form of papers, documentaries, performances, exhibits or websites. The Oklahoma History Center serves as the state sponsor for Oklahoma National History Day (OkNHD) and coordinates the state competition, while various local sponsors manage regional events.
Students begin their journey by presenting their projects in classrooms, schools and regional contests across the country. Top entries are invited to the state/affiliate level contests. The top two entries in each category at the state/affiliate level are then invited to the national contest. In past years, state winners have had the opportunity to travel to College Park, Maryland, for judging in the National History Day contest. However, the COVID-19 pandemic meant an alteration in how this event was traditionally held. This year, all presentations and entries were uploaded to the NHD registry, then downloaded and reviewed by the judges. The judging panels were comprised of teachers, graduate students, authors, historians and volunteers from various museums domestically, as well as seven international sites. The Smithsonian Institution, of which the Oklahoma History Center is an active affiliate, also contributed judges from its staff, as well as from other national affiliates.
“This year posed many challenges to the students, not the least was the fact that the schools were closed,” said Sarah Dumas, director of education at the Oklahoma History Center and OkNHD state coordinator. “Research on their particular projects had to be done wherever they could find it. It seems that this year’s theme, ‘Breaking Barriers,’ became a reality to all those who participated in this wonderful event.”
Judging for the national contest, also done virtually, was completed between May 23 and June 6. The Oklahoma students who earned honors at the 2020 National History Day competition are as follows:
1. First Place in Senior Group Website: Evan McCrackin, Justin Yang and Shoaib Jamil for their website entitled “For the Rainbow Children of God: Desmond Tutu’s Perilous Conquest against South African Apartheid.” Their teacher at Norman Public Schools is Margaret Wadleigh.
2. Special Award for Discovery or Exploration in History: Amelia Peoples, Cate Mossman and Kate Schein for their Senior Group Documentary entitled “The Journey to Mars: How Donna Shirley Broke Barriers for Women in Space Engineering.” Their teacher at Classen School of Advanced Studies in Oklahoma City is Billy Tillman.
3. Special Award for Equality in History: Alexa Delgado and McKayla Howerton for their Junior Group Exhibit entitled “Woman vs. Woman.” Their teacher at Canton Public Schools is Penny Heath.
4. Special Award for Outstanding Junior State Entry: Zayda Sherwood for Junior Paper entitled “Love Conquers All: How Loving v. Virginia Helped Break Racial Barriers.” Her teacher at Canton Public Schools is Penny Heath.
5. Special Award for Outstanding Senior State Entry: Jordan Mason for her Senior Individual Performance entitled “Bright Not Broken: The Barrier Between Autism and Agriculture.” Her teacher at Burns Flat-Dill City Public Schools is Patsy Lyles.
National History Day is a nonprofit education organization in College Park, Maryland. Established in 1974, NHD offers year-long academic programs that engage more than half a million middle and high school students around the world annually in conducting original research on historical topics of interest. NHD also seeks to improve the quality of history education by providing professional development opportunities and curriculum materials for educators.
The Oklahoma History Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, National Archives and is an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.

Getting the annual flu shot is always important. But this year, it might be essential.
The SARS-Cov-2 coronavirus is surging throughout the state and much of the country, and many health experts are predicting an epidemic-level wave during the fall and winter months, right in the heart of the annual flu season in the U.S.
“That timing could be potentially disastrous for a number of reasons, but the most obvious is that the combined fight against coronavirus and influenza is potentially more than our healthcare system can handle,” said Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation physician-scientist Eliza Chakravarty, M.D.
Since the coronavirus first started spreading across the U.S. earlier this year, it has resulted in almost 2.3 million confirmed cases and 120,000 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as of June 22. Those numbers – and the associated strain on hospitals and healthcare resources – could be compounded by the flu, which in the during the 2019-20 season infected as many as 56 million Americans, with 740,000 hospitalizations and nearly 62,000 deaths, according to preliminary CDC data.
“Efforts taken with the shutdown, like socal distancing and wearing masks, have kept rates low enough to keep coronavirus patients separated from others who need other routine care,” Chakravarty said. “Add another outbreak and toss in a fast-spreading virus like the flu, and all that progress could go out the window.”
Chakravarty also worries about people getting exposed to both viruses. “Each of them is deadly enough individually, but we know they are especially dangerous for those with compromised immunity or lung function,” she said. “You don’t want to catch both if you’re already compromised.”
The good news is that there are ways to avoid this nightmare scenario, said OMRF President Stephen Prescott, M.D.
“We have to maintain already sensible practices, like physical distancing, wearing masks, and washing our hands,” said Prescott, a physician and researcher. “An obvious additional step is to get the flu shot. Even if you don’t normally get one, this is the time to do it.”
Flu shorts are generally inexpensive or free, and drive-thru vaccinations may become widely available. And while the shots are far from perfect, typically providing between 40 and 60 percent protection, “Some protection is better than none,” said Prescott.
Even if you contract the flu after receiving your shot, vaccination often leads to a milder case, said Chakravarty.
“A less-severe version is always a good thing, but now it might also save you or a loved one a trip to the hospital where coronavirus exposure is possible,” she said. “So, the bottom line is that flu shots save lives – this year, maybe more than ever.”

Stephenson Cancer Center at OU Medicine took part in an international clinical trial that proved the effectiveness of an oral medication for metastatic prostate cancer, the first treatment advance for that disease in many years.
Results of the trial, which studied the drug relugolix, were published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine. One of the lead authors is Michael Cookson, M.D., Stephenson Cancer Center urologic oncologist and chair of the Department of Urology in the OU College of Medicine.
The mainstay of treatment for metastatic prostate cancer is androgen deprivation therapy, also called hormonal therapy, in which a man’s testosterone level is lowered in order to put cancer cells into a state of remission. For many years, the therapy has been available only in the form of an injection, which sends a signal to the brain to shut down the production of testosterone. The new trial studying the oral drug relugolix showed the same ability to lower testosterone, perhaps even better, as well as a decrease in several side effects that occurred with the injection.
“Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among men,” Cookson said. “This study is exciting because it is the first trial to demonstrate that men can take a pill instead of having to go to the doctor’s office for shots, and the cancer control is just as effective. But there were several additional findings that are also positive.”
One of the trial’s bonus findings centers around how a man’s testosterone is lowered, Cookson said. Injections work by stimulating the pituitary gland so that there is initially a slight overproduction of testosterone before it starts to lower. That “flare” of testosterone after the injection delays the effectiveness of the therapy. However, the drug relugolix is able to tell the brain to stop producing testosterone immediately without a flare.
“In addition, because the pills directly send the message to stop testosterone production, they lowered the testosterone level faster than injections do, and kept it lower over the duration of the study,” Cookson said. “And perhaps even more interesting is that once men stopped taking the pill, their testosterone level rebounded fairly quickly, whereas men who received injections can take up to a year to go back to their normal testosterone levels.”
Another important finding of the trial was a decrease in cardiovascular side effects in men who received the oral drug vs. the injection. While cardiovascular side effects were not eliminated in men who took the pill, they were significantly lowered, Cookson said.
Stephenson Cancer Center was one of many centers around the world that collectively enrolled more than 900 men to the trial. The patients were randomized to receive either the injection or the oral drug, then their health was monitored for 48 weeks. The next, and final, step is to seek approval from the Food and Drug Administration to offer the drug relugolix to patients with metastatic prostate cancer.
Because Stephenson is a National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Center and one of the nation’s top enrollers in NCI clinical trials, it treats many men with metastatic prostate cancer, Cookson said.
“This clinical trial is part of our portfolio for men with this disease,” he said. “Our prostate cancer program is unique because it is truly multidisciplinary, offering the most advanced medical, surgical and radiation therapy treatments with access to clinical trials, all at the same center.”

At 93 years old, Carlene Pearce remains a very active 29-year volunteer with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Central Oklahoma, a United Way of Central Oklahoma partner. Through RSVP, she volunteers her time with the American Red Cross sewing group and since March, has stitched more than 350 face masks that are distributed in the community to help with COVID-19 safety.
As part of her sewing group, Carlene says she sews 3-6 hours a day, taking at least one day off to tend to her own projects. During the pandemic, she and her group, which typically meets on Thursdays, are working strictly from home. She is currently making masks, but also does a lot of sewing for Veteran’s groups making tote bags, pillows, lap throws, and eyeglass cases.
“I’ve been sewing since I was 14 years old. My grandma taught me how and I love any kind of handcraft. I have to have some sewing project in my hand,” she said.
In the nearly three decades with RSVP of Central Oklahoma, she’s volunteered with the Midwest City Police Department, OU Children’s Hospital, the Hugs Project, and Veteran’s Hospital. She’s logged more than 15,000 hours as a volunteer.
“Volunteering keeps me busy and I know that if it is helping someone else, it brings me joy and a sense of ease,” Carlene said.
Since 1973, RSVP of Central Oklahoma has helped senior adults continue to live with purpose and meaning by connecting them with rewarding community volunteer opportunities, including RSVP’s Provide-A-Ride Senior Transportation Program. RSVP is a partner of Senior Corps and the United Way of Central Oklahoma. To learn more about becoming a volunteer, call Laura McPheeters at 405.605.3110 or visit rsvpokc.org. You can also follow RSVP on Facebook at facebook.com/RSVPokc.

Dear Savvy Senior,

I lost my job last month because of the coronavirus crisis. With little savings, I’ve been thinking about starting my Social Security benefits early to help me get by. But my question is, if I find a new job can I stop my Social Security benefits and restart them at a later date so they can continue to grow? Almost 63

Dear Almost,
Creating a living will (also known as Yes, there are actually two ways you can stop your Social Security retirement benefits (once you’ve started collecting them) and restart them at a later date, which would boost your benefits. But in order to do this certain rules and conditions must be met. Here are your options.
Withdraw your benefits: One way to pause your Social Security benefits is to simply withdraw your Social Security application. But this must be done within 12 months of starting your benefits and you’ll also have to repay what you’ve received so far. If you choose this option, Social Security will treat your application for early benefits as if it never happened.
To withdraw your benefits, you’ll need to complete Form SSA-521 (SSA.gov/forms/ssa-521.pdf) and send it to your local Social Security office. Also be aware that you can only withdraw benefits once in a lifetime.
Suspend your benefits: If you aren’t eligible for withdrawal, but you’ve reached your full retirement age and have not yet reached age 70, another option is to voluntarily suspend your retirement benefits. With the suspension option you don’t have to repay the benefits you’ve received, and you can restart them anytime you wish, or they will be automatically be reinstated at age 70. (See SSA.gov/planners/retire/ageincrease.html to find your full retirement age.)
By suspending your benefits you’ll earn delayed retirement credits, which means your benefit amount increases for every month of the suspension. Your payment will go up by two-thirds of 1 percent monthly or 8 percent annually. A benefit of $1,500 monthly, for example, increases by $10 for each month you have benefits suspended.
You can request a suspension by phone (800-772-1213) or in person at your local Social Security office.
Working and Collecting Benefits
If you start collecting Social Security and you do go back to work, but your income is modest, you may want to continue drawing your benefits while working at the same time. But if your earnings are higher, it makes sense to stop your benefits.
Social Security has a “retirement earnings test” that says if you’re under your full retirement age and you earn more than $18,240 in 2020, Social Security will deduct $1 from your benefits for every $2 you earn over that amount. Those who reach full retirement age in 2020 a less stringent rule applies. In this case, $1 gets taken out for every $3 you make above $48,600 until you reach the month of your birthday.
It’s also important to know that if you were to lose some or all of your Social Security benefits because of the earning limits, they aren’t lost forever. When you reach full retirement age, your benefits will be recalculated to a higher amount to make up for what was withheld.
Also, if you do decide to work and collect Social Security benefits at the same time, you need to factor in Uncle Sam too. Because working increases your income, it might make your Social Security benefits taxable.
Here’s how this works. If your combined income is between $25,000 and $34,000 as an individual or between $32,000 and $44,000 as joint filers, you will pay tax on up to 50 percent of your Social Security benefits. If you earn above the upper limit of these ranges, you will pay tax on up to 85 percent of your benefits. To help you calculate this see the IRS publication 915 at IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p915.pdf.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

There is a buzz of excitement at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden with the recent discovery of a unique pollinator, the two-spotted bumblebee, Bombus bimaculatus, at the OKC Zoo. This species of bumblebee has not been found in Oklahoma since 1999.
Bee researcher, José Montalva, recognized the two-spotted bumblebee earlier this month on Zoo grounds. A graduate student at the University of Oklahoma and an instructor at East Central University, Montalva is conducting an ongoing survey at the OKC Zoo to study native bees that inhabit the park and record which floral resources they use, and what other environmental factors (biotic and abiotic) benefit bees. To date, Montalva has recorded almost 40 species of native bees at the Zoo. This study is made possible by a grant from the Kirkpatrick Foundation and the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at East Central University.
“What a thrill to learn that our funding dollars have led to the identification of a favorite creature vital to the future of Oklahoma ecology,” said Louisa McCune, Kirkpatrick Foundation’s executive director. “Bumblebees have needed research support like never before, so that makes it especially wonderful to see the Oklahoma City Zoo have such a breakthrough discovery.”
Oklahoma’s diverse bioregions provide habitat to a variety of bee species. At one time, the state was home to ten species of bumblebees including the two-spotted bumblebee but a study completed in 2015 by L. Figueroa and E. Bergey identified only four species of bumblebee thriving here.
“Finding this bumblebee back in Oklahoma after two decades is a great indication that the OKC Zoo provides vital habitat for native species,” said Rebecca Snyder, OKC Zoo’s director of conservation and science. “The Zoo is committed to helping increase pollinator populations through research and local conservation efforts aimed at creating more habitat. The Zoo also hopes to inspire people to care about the future of these important insects.”
Bumblebees are a social, charismatic species of bee that are found on almost every continent. The two-spotted bumblebee is fuzzy with a mostly yellow thorax with patches of black hairs at the base of its wings. They also have a distinct two-spotted yellow patch of hair on their second abdominal area. These valuable insects perform the critical role of pollinating the world’s flowering plants and crops and without them our ecosystems and economies would be in trouble. Worldwide bumblebee populations are experiencing dramatic population declines due to habitat fragmentation, pesticides and climate events.
The OKC Zoo currently maintains four on-site beehives. The bees contribute to the pollination process across the Zoo’s 100+ acres, keeping the numerous designated horticultural displays including the Zoo’s outdoor butterfly garden – the largest in Oklahoma – naturally vibrant and thriving. All four beehives are located in an undeveloped area south of the elephant habitat, away from walking paths and animal habitats accessible to guests.
The Oklahoma City Zoo is open daily at 8 a.m. and advance tickets are required for all guests and ZOOfriends members. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.okczoo.org/tickets and are limited each day to ensure adequate social distancing between guests. Some of the Zoo’s indoor habitats are still closed to minimize potential transmission of COVID-19. The Zoo is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. now through Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2020.

Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the OKC Zoo is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, Oklahoma City’s Adventure District and an Adventure Road partner. Regular admission is $12 for adults and $9 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free. Stay up-to-date with the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and by visiting Our Stories. Zoo fans can support the OKC Zoo by becoming Oklahoma Zoological Society members at ZOOfriends.org. To learn more about these and other happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.

by Darl DeVault

Bicycling is experiencing a resurgence lately because it provides a fun, healthy way to spend time outdoors while riders keep a safe social distance from others. Seniors might consider the comfortable modern Fat Bikes that will bring back memories of bicycles in the 1960s.
Modern fat tire bikes, or Fat Bikes as they are called, are off-road bicycles providing seniors comfortable and smooth riding because of the oversized tires, no matter where they ride. The elderly appreciates these bicycles because they are designed so the rider maintains an upright position with no strain on their back. The handlebars are straight, again easing pressure on the back by not requiring a crouching position over the bike.
Seniors who cycle or want to start riding again might want to test ride a Trek Fat Bike. It is a cross between a light-weight racing bike, with its multi-speed gearing, and a balloon-tired “paperboy” bike of the 1950s.
Many seniors are riding more now because the activity can slow down the progression of aging, deterioration in muscle mass, and much more, according to many medical studies.
Remember your first balloon-tired bike? These new fat tires are almost three times bigger than those balloon tires, which expands regular 2-to- 2.25-inch mountain bike tires to a whopping, comfortable, cruising 4-5 inches. With all that squishy rubber under you, comfort rules the day.
These bikes have the best kind of frames for a senior, the step-through design. This enables the rider to get on and off the bicycle easily. It will perform well during your regular commute or a Sunday country ride. The choice of more gears is generally helpful. If you have a lot of climbing to do and prefer easy pedaling with more revolutions and less resistance for each pedal stroke, the gears provide that option.
With these big tires you achieve a floating sensation when riding along. Fat Bikes are a lot of fun and come with a built-in smile factor – you cannot help but grin to yourself if you like to bicycle.
These Fat Bikes have everything, as manufacturers are now putting real engineering and design technology into them. Racing-bicycle metallurgy, extremely light but strong, means the design allows the Fat tires to dampen road shock and provide stability over rough terrain.
Here is my recent off-road test. I took a Fat Bike off the pavement and up a nearby berm to test the fun.
The added buoyancy of plenty of air between the rim and the ground meant it was simply a matter of powering through the uneven terrain.
My first pass…. I started up the steeply sloping hillside only to discover about two-thirds of the way up that it was sandy soil. The loose soil quickly brought my speed down. When I noticed I was not making good progress I simply applied more power.
I continued my climb. What a feeling, I was on top of the world! I was in control and staying upright while climbing over difficult and uneven terrain.
It made all the difference in the world to my confidence to know that I had climbed the steepest area without using all the gearing available.
The length of the wheelbase, because of extra-size tires, alone adds a dimension of stability. Forget the huge contact patch with the ground; the longer wheelbase gives your ride a squish not available any other way. It seems to even some obstacles out without effort from the rider.
Senior riders can opt for significantly lower tire pressure. Think 15 or 10 psi, or even lower still. This gives the tire some significant squish, and that play translates to more rubber conforming to the trail for serious grip.
I rode back and forth on top of the berm several times, finding new routes, weaving in and out of the trees and around obstacles. I could cut back against the hill and accelerate to support my balance after going around bushes.
I was proud of being able to handle the bike in such tight quarters. I took on harder terrain, happy to come shooting out of the underbrush into the open unscathed.
So far, so good. Now it was time to ride down. I felt I was in control… that I could use the disc brakes and if necessary, the whole rear tire in slowing down. Coming down was a pleasure, the control of the bike suddenly became all mine again. Slaloming on the 4-inch fat tires was a breeze.
I felt I had more control over the bike descending than at any other time, especially with the longer wheelbase. I knew that if I kept my center of gravity low and the bike centered beneath me, those sturdy fat tires could take any punishment. This confidence allowed me to steer right where I wanted it to go.
While Fat Biking over changing terrain takes coordination, and quickness, it gives the cyclist the elation of triumphing over unpredictable conditions and challenges. Finally, it instills a “can-do” attitude that is as comfortable as a bicycle can get.
If you ride, please buy a helmet, and wear it. Today’s helmets are adjustable and comfortable to wear while the air flow through the vents keep your head cool.
Senior cyclists owning the new-generation Fat Bike can also try out what they term Gravel Rides, taking backcountry unpaved scenic routes on their new contraptions.
Imagine a bicycle with bigger than a paperboy balloon tires by two and a half times taking the tension off major joints, and you have the start of what you might find as the inspiration to cycle more.

story and photo by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

Simply stunning.
No other words quite describe the feeling of walking into HarborChase of South Oklahoma City.
Visually remarkable, the brand new assisted living and memory care residence located at 10801 S May Ave is a treat for all five senses.
Depending on the hour or day, you might hear the smooth gospel stylings of pianist Gatha Graham or the laughter from the main dining room.
In the afternoon, the smell of freshly popped popcorn wafts through the air.
Wood-fired pizza directly out of the oven, crab cakes or a prime rib dinner cooked to order await to be enjoyed downstairs or in the privacy of your residence with room service.
Amenities abound at Oklahoma City’s newest senior residence offering.
“It’s amazing,” says Executive Director Willena Ferguson while walking through the finely-appointed property, which is also licensed as a hotel by the state.
After spending the past 15 years in senior living, Ferguson has spent the last 14 months bringing HarborChase to life in the metro.
Residents began moving in February 29 prior to the recent quarantine.
Vero Beach, Fla. – based Harbor Retirement Associates brings the luxury living option to Oklahoma.
HRA operates more than 35 communities in eight states and is partnering on the construction of even more communities in seven additional states. HRA manages over $150 million in revenue and approximately $1 billion in assets while employing 2,000 associates.
HarborChase of South Oklahoma City is now accepting new residents and is proud that through June, the residence remained entirely Coved-free with no residents or employees testing positive.
That’s thanks to a stringent entry criteria as well an extensive daily sanitization regimen.
Temperature checks are completed three times daily. No one can enter the facility without having their temperature scanned.
The building is disinfected twice daily.
The Oklahoma Room is a crowning jewel at the residence. The nearly 1,900-square foot safe room is rated by FEMA to withstand 500-mile-per-hour winds. An enclosed generator ensures power and a full-stocked pantry provides food and water for residents for up to three days in the case of disaster.
Some $400,000 worth of concrete – nearly two-feet thick – protects residents as does the bulletproof glass and rolling steel hurricane shutters.
“It’s really kind of cool some of the amenities they put into the building,” said Ferguson, who also noted the space serves as a movie theatre room, and a chapel.
HarborChase offers both one and two-bedroom assisted living options.
From the very first day a resident moves into HarborChase, they are a familiar name and face, treated as a respected and cherished member of the family. Ferguson and her staff are dedicated to providing an ongoing feeling of connection, communication, comfort and caring. Upon arrival, a unique “Silhouette of My Life” profile for each individual resident is created to ensure that their wants, needs and desires are being met.
This customized profile allows care partners to create fun activities and programs based around residents’ favorite pastimes, foods and memories.
Each day, care partners offer respectful assistance with walking, dressing, grooming and more. You’ll rest easy knowing that your loved one’s medical needs are provided for by a caring and compassionate team of licensed nurses and medication assistants.
In order to help nurture their independence, your loved one will receive the personalized level of care and support they need with friendly supportive services that truly make life easier and more enjoyable. An active and purposeful lifestyle awaits your loved one at HarborChase.
A dedicated memory care unit is also built in.
Harbor Chase’s acclaimed Memory Care neighborhood is a safe, serene and loving harbor for residents and their families.
A putting green sits in the interior courtyard next to the cabana. A family of ducks seems to enjoy the fountains and raised, self-watering flower beds that are being installed next to their float pool.
An art studio and fitness gym are also on site.
Business Office Manager, Tia Crittenden, has worked with Ferguson for 10 years now, following her along her journey.
“I have a really huge loyalty to Willie. She’s an amazing director,” Crittenden said. “Her standards are very high.”
Ferguson smiles and explains it all comes down to setting the bar high and building lasting relationships.
“I love this population,” Ferguson said.
And there’s no doubt this population will love HarborChase.
HarborChase is located at 10801 S May Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73170. Call (405) 429-8386 for more information or visit: www.harborchase.com

The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation has received a $1.75 million federal grant to study the impact of the coronavirus on Oklahomans.
Funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the two-year project will seek to understand the immune system’s response to the virus and how that immune response varies in different ethnic groups. Additionally, the study aims to understand if the immune response is protective against future infections — or if it might worsen them.
“OMRF has a strong history and wonderful partnerships throughout the state,” said Linda Thompson, Ph.D., who will help lead the project. “That should enable us to quickly obtain blood samples from those who have been exposed to or infected by the coronavirus.”
The researchers will analyze blood donated by volunteers to understand individuals’ differing immune responses to the virus. The OMRF scientists will be looking for biological clues that might identify those individuals most likely to experience a severe response to coronavirus infection.
As a group, Oklahomans are at a somewhat higher risk for life-threatening complications from Covid-19, as they tend to have higher rates of other conditions associated with greater mortality from coronavirus infection: obesity, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
OMRF is actively recruiting individuals for Covid-19 antibody testing, especially people with these high-risk conditions, those with Native American heritage, and those who know or suspect they have recovered from the virus. If you’re interested in participating, please call 405-271-7221 or email Jackie-Keyser@omrf.org.
OMRF researchers will also be studying the roles and reactions of antibodies that form in the immune response to infection to the virus known technically as SARS-CoV-2.
“Specifically, we need to know if antibodies help fight the virus,” said Mark Coggeshall, Ph.D., who will also help lead the research. Work will focus on a phenomenon called antibody-dependent enhancement, where instead of protecting people from future infections, antibodies could actually make future infections worse.
“We have to understand all aspects of the body’s immune response and which ones correlate to good health outcomes, and we also need to understand how these vary in different ethnicities,” said Thompson. “This knowledge gap needs to be filled quickly to inform vaccine trials, some of which are already underway.”
The new funding comes as a supplement to a grant awarded to OMRF to study the immune system’s response to anthrax bacteria as part of the NIAID’s Cooperative Centers for Human Immunology.
“Our existing research on anthrax has a developed infrastructure to study immune response to a serious viral infection,” Thompson said. “So, we are set up to start this project without having to develop new methodology. The work can, and will, begin immediately.”
Coggeshall, for one, is eager to start the new project. “Our anthrax work is promising and important, but all research efforts right now should be on SARS-CoV-2 and Covid-19,” he said. “There is no more urgent issue to study in the world, and we will do everything we can to help.”